Kelly | M/V Kestrel | Sunday, July 13th 2025 | 2:00 PM
So much commotion as we left the harbor aboard the M/V Kestrel today! The ferry was leaving its port along with sea planes both departing and arriving. A busy hot summer day here on San Juan Island! It was a nice change to suddenly be in quiet water heading south down San Juan Channel. Our first stop of the day was Goose Island! Per usual, this island was absolutely teaming with harbor seals, taking full advantage of low tide. After cruising down the island, we made our way through Cattle Pass and into The Straight of Juan de Fuca. The sea was glassy flat calm, and the Olympic mountain range melted in the water line, making us feel like we were floating in the clouds. The good sea state unfortunately didn't last for too long, as we made our way further and further into the straight, the wind picked up and small waves emerged. Unusually rocky weather for the Salish Sea summers, but nothing compared to what whales watching in the open ocean can be. On our way to a reported whale sighting, we noticed something rather unusual in the distance.... Perhaps the most peculiar thing I've ever seen on the water, a perfectly crafted minute sail boat floating at about 2 feet tall. You just never know what you'll find out here!
After slowing our engines and scanning the horizon, dorsal fins emerged! The was a group of 8 whales identified as the T46B's made up of:
- T046B/Raksha — female, born in 1988
- T046B2/Akela — born in 2008
- T046B2B/Takaya — born in 2023
- T046B3/Sedna — female, born in 2011
- T046B3A*/Munro — born in 2025
- T046B4/Quiver — male, born in 2014
- T046B6/Sol — female, born in 2019
- T046B7/Tala — born in 2023
- T046B2/Akela — born in 2008
This family was split up into two groups, a mother and calf pair closer to us (T046B3/Sedna & T046B3A*/Munro ), and the remaining 6 off to the north. When it comes to whale watching, there is one perk to having rocky seas- you can often see more of the orcas as they surface! This was certainly the case today, as little newborn Munro (t046B3b) launched with all their might out of the water with each surface. Showing off that yellow coloration that all newborn orcas have. We continued our trip by circumnavigating San Juan Island, stopping for looks at Speidan Island and Sentinel rock. Perfect summer day in the Salish Sea!